atusa sabagh

Attack on Iranian Protesters in Vienna Following Peaceful Demonstration On the evening of 4 March 2026, around 21:30–22:00, Iranian activists held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Imam Ali Center to express their political views and to protest against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The demonstration was officially registered and authorized and took place in the presence of the Austrian police. Throughout the event, participants remained peaceful and exercised their democratic right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, during the demonstration we were repeatedly threatened by individuals affiliated with the Islamic Republic, who were standing across the street. Some of them made explicit threatening gestures, including hand signs imitating the act of beheading. Around 21:30, after most participants had already left and while a small group of organizers and logistics volunteers were packing the remaining equipment, the police temporarily left the immediate area. At that moment, a group of individuals suddenly emerged from inside the Imam Ali Center, where they had apparently remained hidden. They launched a violent attack against the remaining members of our team. During the attack: Hot water was thrown at protesters. Several attackers were seen concealing knives or sharp objects under their jackets. Members of our organizing and logistics team were physically assaulted. As a result of the attack, approximately eight to nine people were injured, several of them seriously enough to require hospital treatment. Some participants, including women, suffered severe shock and trauma. Fortunately, the police returned quickly after being called and were able to prevent the situation from escalating further. Video evidence exists showing the threatening gestures made during the demonstration as well as the first moments of the attack. The initial seconds of the assault were recorded before the situation rapidly escalated. As organizers and eyewitnesses, we consider this incident a serious act of politically motivated violence against peaceful protesters exercising their democratic rights in Austria. We call on the Austrian authorities to fully investigate this attack and ensure the safety of Iranian activists who peacefully advocate for freedom and human rights. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be protected. Violent intimidation by regime-affiliated groups cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. Fox News The Jerusalem Post Sky News Reuters The Associated Press DW News DER SPIEGEL @KURIERat DER STANDARD

14,345 Aufrufe